Megève – Well-being at altitude and the art of living at Chalets du Mont d'Arbois
There are places that tell a story even before you unpack your bags. In Megève, the Chalets du Mont d'Arbois have been perpetuating the visionary spirit of the Edmond de Rothschild family for over a century. In summer, far from the ski slopes, the resort reveals another facet of its soul: that of a hedonistic haven, nestled on the mountainside, a blend of alpine tradition and understated luxury.
The architecture, marked by time, has preserved its essential elements: raw wood, ancient stones, and steeply pitched roofs topped with fir trees. But behind this rustic authenticity lies a carefully orchestrated and intimate setting. Each chalet bears the name of one of Edmond de Rothschild's daughters – Noémie, Alice, and Ève – and extends the surrounding nature while showcasing décor of significant heritage value. The furnishings incorporate pieces from the family's private collection, alongside works of art, murals, and carefully selected antiques. At Chalet Noémie, ibexes and wildflowers adorn the walls, like subtle nods to the surrounding peaks. Everything here exudes attention to detail, respect for the site, and a deep connection to a living family history.
The atmosphere is hushed, the silence precious, the views open onto the vast green expanse. In the morning, the estate awakens in a breath of mist and golden light; in the evening, the terraces are lit by candlelight, inviting reflection, sharing, or contemplation.
In terms of well-being, the Susanne Kaufmann spa embodies the quintessence of Alpine luxury. Inspired by the virtues of the Austrian Alps, the brand offers its signature treatments in a serene, minimalist, and organic setting. Three treatment rooms welcome guests for bespoke rituals, combining cosmetic expertise, high-quality botanical actives, and a holistic approach. The products are organic, eco-responsible, and elegant in their textures and fragrances. Among the flagship experiences, the Day Spa It offers a 50-minute treatment, a bistro-style lunch on the terrace (starter/main or main/dessert), and access to the heated outdoor pool, sauna, and relaxation area. Outside, sound baths in a yurt, free yoga classes for residents, and a wooden terrace with mountain views extend the enchantment.
But it is also at the table that the Chalets du Mont d'Arbois reaffirm their status as an exceptional establishment. This summer of 2025 marks the arrival of a new chef, Marc-Henri MazureAt the helm of the restaurant, this Breton native, trained by some of the greatest chefs (Marc Veyrat, Anne-Sophie Pic, Philippe Audonnet), offers cuisine that reflects his own character: generous, authentic, and precise. His philosophy is rooted in seasonality, close ties with producers, and the apparent simplicity of technically demanding recipes. He cites Bocuse, but prefers to let his sauces speak for themselves, which he considers his true signature.
At the restaurant, each dish pays homage to local flavors, in a subtle and thoughtful reinterpretation. Among the summer offerings, the Mont Blanc snails au gratin with Beaufort cheese, the rabbit stew in aspic or Brittany blue lobster The verbena cream and buckwheat crisp set the tone: here, tradition is very much alive, but reinterpreted with finesse. This is followed by dishes that are both straightforward and refined, such as the Savoy trout with cream of chicken and green beans and almonds, or theroast and confit lamb from Savoy with chanterelles and broad beans, enhanced with a robust wild mint sauce.
For large gatherings, dishes meant for sharing celebrate conviviality: grilled Savoyard-style rib of beef (1,2 kg), potato and bone marrow gratin, or sole from the Breton coast accompanied by a vegetable mille-feuille and a citrus meunière. Lovers of culinary heritage will also appreciate the discovery of the farcementThis mountain dish is revisited here with herb cream and roast diot sausage.
The journey ends peacefully: blown Rothschild with orange marmalade and raspberry sorbet, Paris-Brest with praline and champagne sorbet, or Black Forest with local cherriesOn the cheese front, the Savoy region takes center stage with a selection of four matured cheeses and a truffled Brie de Meaux served with mustard ice cream – a bold yet subtle touch.
During the day, activities are designed to enhance the connection with nature: guided hikes to discover alpine flora, electric mountain biking on the ridges, paragliding above the valleys. Every detail of the stay seems designed to reconnect with a rare luxury: that of simplicity, slowness, and understated elegance.
Staying at Chalets du Mont d'Arbois means experiencing a living tradition, an inherited and passed-down way of life, and a landscape steeped in history. It's about discovering a mountain inhabited by history, beauty, and silence. Here, luxury is a breath of fresh air.
447, Chemin de la Rocaille, Megève
chalets-montdarbois.com
Saint-Tropez – Elegance restored at the Hôtel de Paris
At the entrance to the village, opposite the famous gendarmerie immortalized by Louis de Funès, the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez stands like a beacon of Saint-Tropez elegance. The first luxury hotel in Saint-Tropez, opened in 1931, it has seen the Parisian elite of the 1960s pass through its doors and has embodied a refined and carefree lifestyle for nearly a century. Brigitte Bardot, Colette, Vadim, and Signac are just some of its iconic figures.
Completely renovated in 2013 under the direction of interior designer Sybille de Margerie, the hotel blends heritage and modernity with unparalleled grace. Five guiding principles inspire its décor: the Mediterranean, women, the 1960s and 70s, Paris, and art. In the 52 rooms and 38 suites, vibrant colors meet graphic lines, photographs pay homage to Bardot and Romy Schneider, mosaics adorn walk-in showers and bathtubs, and an exclusive fragrance with notes of jasmine, vanilla, and iris fills the air. Each room offers absolute comfort and personalized touches, like a knowing wink to regular guests.
The hotel's beating heart is its spectacular rooftop, the first in the village and the only one with a heated outdoor pool. The Les Toits lounge bar comes alive every Thursday with DJ sets from "La Vie en Rose," while Fridays and Saturdays feature jazzy concerts by Cynthia Queenton. On Sundays, Jean-Luc Wastable's live piano brunch is a must-do summer event. Open to non-hotel guests, this rooftop combines breathtaking views, a chic atmosphere, and the French Riviera's dolce vita.
The restaurant Les Toits, helmed by chef David Ignoffo, elevates local produce with refined Mediterranean cuisine: burrata with marjoram, crisp prawn salad, John Dory in a saffron-infused shellfish jus, truffle rigatoni, thyme-marinated beef fillet, and sea bream with herbs. A selection of fine Provençal wines and tableside desserts complete the experience.
On the plate, the Mediterranean whispers with every bite. The tender, subtly grilled beef kefta is balanced by a vibrantly fresh mint-infused cream cheese, enhanced by a silky, smoky ajvar, like a bell pepper ember. The prawns arrive crispy, fragrant with basil, their juicy flesh coated in a rich, sun-kissed sun-dried tomato mayonnaise.
The bluefin tuna, seared to a near-raw center, melts in the mouth. Basil gives it a vibrant character, while the bell pepper caviar envelops it in a vibrant sweetness. Then comes the John Dory, lightly seared, resting on a bed of meltingly tender vegetables. The saffron-infused shellfish jus, vibrant and briny, brings the sea to the surface of the dish.
Finally, an apricot cheesecake brings the meal to a fruity close. Light, airy, and refreshed by the delicate acidity of the fruit, it melts on the tongue like a late summer's day. A flawless creation, a perfect balance of skill and brilliance.
In the evening, the bar offers cocktails inspired by Saint-Tropez cinema, such as the Gendarme of Saint-Tropez. For a relaxed atmosphere, crispy prawns, hummus, or a platter of Iberian ham accompany the drinks.
In the morning, guests wake up on the patio around the Pationata buffet: Bordier dairy products, honey, pastries, homemade goods, and à la carte options. In the evening, the Pationata transforms into a fish and seafood restaurant, with the chef's bouillabaisse as its highlight.
The Spa by Clarins is a sensory sanctuary with a hammam, sauna, signature treatments, and aesthetic innovations such as Cellu M6 and Indiba ONA. The "Nouvelle Vague" treatment enhances the face and body. The Lunch & Spa or Brunch & Spa packages offer a complete day of well-being.
The Atrium Bar, the upstairs fitness center, the contemporary art exhibitions (Andrea Roggi, Patrick Rougereau), the exclusive items displayed in the window (K.Jacques sandals, logo accessories), the "Agnès Conversations," and the suggestions of concierge Samuel Andréo complete this picture of excellence. Andréo, a recipient of the Clefs d'Or's Palme d'Or, shares his precious addresses for ice cream parlors, beaches, and restaurants, and can arrange almost anything, even rock a child to sleep in a limousine.
I experienced: a lovely escape on the terrace with a cocktail in homage to Françoise Sagan, a "New Wave" massage at the Clarins spa, and a night in room 103, unique with its arched terrace and its confidential view of the sea and the Chanel house.
1, Gendarmerie Crossing, Saint-Tropez
Corsica – Luxury and maquis at the Hameau de Saparale
You have to get away from the crowded beaches and leave the marked roads to find the Hameau de Saparale, a secluded haven hidden in the hills of Alta Rocca. In the heart of a 52-hectare vineyard, between Sartène and Bonifacio, Julie and Philippe Farinelli have brought to life an aesthete's dream: an intimate hotel with 16 suites and three private sheepfolds, all designed as havens of silence and raw beauty.
This dream has been theirs for over 25 years. Together, they have worked with passion to restore this forgotten hamlet, breathing new life into a splendid piece of Corsican historical heritage nestled in the Ortolo Valley. Every stone, every object tells the story of their dedication: they personally sourced the furniture for the main house, and Julie designed the headboards and the jacuzzi in the Master Suite. Here, luxury is expressed through simplicity, spaciousness, and carefully chosen materials.
The Hamlet, restored in the style of traditional Corsican buildings, combines fine materials, antique furnishings, whitewashed walls, and sweeping views of the mountains or vineyards. Each room has its own terrace or garden. The Master Suite, with a private jacuzzi and sauna, overlooks the estate. The furnishings have been meticulously designed, blending the beauty of simple things with contemporary comfort. The three independent sheepfolds – U Caseddu, A Scola, and U Mulinu – feature private pools, summer kitchens, hammams, or gardens, offering an immersive experience in nature without sacrificing elegance.
At the Sopravigna restaurant, chef Jérémy Vivien creates a cuisine that is both earthy and sun-drenched, inspired by the estate's produce and the seasons. Homemade olive oil, vegetables from the garden, figs from the orchard, game, coastal fish, and wild herbs: each dish pays homage to Corsica in its most delicate form. The service, warm yet discreet, perfectly complements the restaurant's leisurely pace.
The estate's wines – crisp whites, powerful reds, and delicate rosés – grace the table in subtle pairings, served on the terrace or under the pergola. In the morning, breakfast is a celebration of the region: homemade jams, sourdough bread, organic eggs, creamy yogurts, enjoyed while basking in the first rays of sunshine on the maquis.
Here, people read, swim, and listen to the wind. Guided hikes are offered to abandoned sheepfolds, or picnics are organized near the Ortolo River. Depending on the weather, people settle down by the fire, on the terrace in the square, or under the trees. As evening falls, silence reigns, and the starry sky becomes the most beautiful spectacle.
Domaine de Saparale, Sartène
Marseille – Mediterranean cruise aboard the Barquettes
In Marseille, the horizons change when viewed from the sea. Embarking on the Barquettes is to enjoy a beautiful escape on traditional boats lovingly restored. The initiative comes from Mathieu Sombardier, a lover of the Mediterranean, who has breathed new life into two iconic Marseille boats: Vincent, an intimate little boat with old-fashioned charm, and The Flâneuse, majestic tartane malonière inspired by a 1903 ship, capable of accommodating up to twenty passengers.
From the Old Port, sailing glides along at the rhythm of the sun: heading towards the Frioul Islands, the Côte Bleue, the wild calanques, or the secret coves of Malmousque. On board, everything has been designed to combine comfort and the good life: cushions made from recycled sails, suspended hammocks, mattresses, towels, masks, and snorkels. You can dive into the turquoise water, anchor for a nap in the shade of the mainsail, and savor the silence and the gentle mistral wind.
The interlude continues with a Mediterranean-inspired lunch created by Cécile Food Club, a gourmet gem on the Corniche Kennedy. On the menu: homemade focaccia, creamy anchovy spread, crisp market vegetables, smoked trout buns, a modern twist on buffalo mozzarella or bagnat, Marseilles-style anise-flavored navettes, and seasonal fruit to nibble on, served with homemade juices and iced water. A sun-drenched experience, rooted in local traditions and nurtured by a spirit of sharing.
Les Barquettes also embodies a vision of ecology applied to the sea: artisanal catering, zero plastic on board, short supply chains, and attention to every detail. Whether by day or at sunset, outings become moments of pure bliss, a blend of maritime heritage, secluded swims, and shared, gentle euphoria.
Departure from the Old Port (MUCEM), Marseille 2e
lesbarquettes.com
